Positional responsive traffic sign and system

ABSTRACT

A hand-held illumination means having a slit therein for forcibly receiving a sign or similar member for illumination wherein the hand-held illumination means includes an internal positionally responsive switching means connected to a remote power supply to cause the illumination means to be energized when the hand-held device is in a predetermined position and de-energized when the hand-held device is in another predetermined position and may also contain there within further switching means for causing a transmitter to signal a remote receiver for thus controlling a further illumination device for ultimate use in traffic control, school crossings and other motorist or pedestrian directional needs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to sign exhibiting traffic control signals such as used by school guards, road construction crews and other persons in situations where there is a need for signals which are positional or conditionally responsive to direct the actions of individuals.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The orderly and safe flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic is dependent on the proper functioning of a variety of traffic control devices. Traffic safety is a growing concern throughout the world. Each year, more and more people are being injured and/or fatally wounded due to accidents. Traffic control devices range in complexity from simple placard-type signs to combination electric signal lights and vehicle sensors. The development and use of this variety of display devices is not just to control the flow of traffic, but also to advise of hazardous road conditions such as curves, construction, road icing, school crossings, pedestrian directions and the like. Many accidents are caused because one inadvertently fails to read and/or identify traffic warning signs. Many individuals are so preoccupied by activities about them that they fails to see warning signs. Our environment is saturated with signs and signals which are not recognized by the person(s) who may be endangered.

Innovations in this area continue to be motivated to provide condition responsive traffic control devices. Typical examples of such devices include variable timer circuits present to control signal light cycling intervals according to expected rush-hour and non rush-hour traffic volume and embedded road surface vehicle sensors for initiating a signal light cycle. Generally, the condition responsive control devices respond to an unplanned change in the condition of the environment, such as a power outage, flooding, freezing temperature or the like. Speciality traffic control devices have been developed to try to address the problem of certain unplanned changes in the environment which affect the orderly flow of traffic or represent potential hazards.

Hand-held traffic control signs are well known. A large number of these consist of an octagonal frame with a handle extending out at the lower side. That type sign has a face which is usually red with “STOP”, and yellow showing “SLOW” or similar cautionary terms in bold letters across the face. These have served a useful purpose in the past and have been widely used. However, some of these are not as easily seen in inclimate weather, darkness, twilight or dusk as desired. Various lighted sign structures have been suggested none of which are lighted in response to the position of the sign and determined by the user and which may initiate control signals to other devices in combination therewith to enhance safety.

Motor vehicle drivers' habits and driving awareness vary, depending on a series of obstacles in driving proficiency. Some examples are: the posted speed limit, number of travel lanes, the driver behind scenes, the sun just rising or setting creating a glare in visibility, the driver is reading or writing while he/she drives, the driver is using a cell phone, the driver is disciplining children, the volume of their stereo set high, and the obstructions on roadways. The short list of examples above reflect only a partial list of why commanding the motorist's attention on what is going on outside the vehicle, and on the roadway is becoming increasingly more and more difficult.

Flashing lights have been used for decades to gain motorist awareness from simple businesses displaying these signs or traffic signs themselves. Simple flashing of signs no longer gains the motorist attention due to the partial list of examples above. We have incorporated into our device, single light emitting diodes, hereinafter referred to as “LED”, in self contained clusters of three LEDs in an optical exact light output magnification refection which creates a brilliant light output. Built into this three cluster LED lighting device are multiple flashing sequences and even a “steady” burn cycle all for gaining and demanding the motorist complete attention while traveling the roadway.

A second self enclosed set of three individual LED lights in an identical maximum optically correct light can be supplied for roadway situations, such as four or six travel lanes which carry higher volumes of traffic at various speeds. The second set of LEDs may be programmed to work identically as the first set of LEDs, or work in an alternating flashing sequence as well as multiple settings of flash cycles.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a hand-held device into which a sign may be forcefully inserted to provide a sign that is highly visible to an approaching motorist or pedestrian.

Another object of the invention is to provide a road sign that is lightweight and easy to hold for extended periods of time.

Still another object of the intention is to provide a hand-held sign that is effective to flash or be lighted only when the user desires to effect a viewer's recognition and response and/or to remotely control other signals responsive to the same user reaction and control.

Still another object of this invention is to provide lighting that is selectively configured to simply light, flash, flash in a pre-determined sequence and/or colors for a desired display.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portable, hand-held device that includes circuitry to cause a signal to be transmitted to a remote signaling device which operates in unison or a predetermined sequence with the hand-held device.

A further object of the present invention is to provide illumination means comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which are programmable to flash in a predetermined sequence and/or colors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objects are achieved with a portable hand-held device for selective engagement with a sign wherein the hand-held device utilizes a positional sensitive switch to activate lights to illuminate the surface of a sign to cause superior recognition of such sign at all times and in inclimate conditions as well as being interactive with a remote sign for selective control thereof.

The sign includes a front unitary side and a back unitary side which may be selectively engaged into the handle of the hand-held device having switching means therein for voluntary control of the lighting effect of the sign. In an alternate embodiment the hand-held device embodies switching means for activating a signaling means for control of a remote lighting means for further indication to viewers a desired message.

In a preferred embodiment, the two sides of a sign are nearly symmetrical. The hand held device has a slit therein for forcibly receiving the sign or other structure there into in a mating relationship. The hand-held device houses a switch which is positional sensitive to cause the sign to be lighted when held in a preferred position and extinguished otherwise to thus permit the user to voluntarily determine when to optimize the recognition of the sign.

A sign of one's choice may be selectively engaged into the handle for use. Each side of the slit has a surface that is textured to maintain the sign within the slit's confines. An electrical power source is operatively connected to the hand-held device through a switch to energize the illumination means. The hand-held device may also include a transmitter which is energized when the illumination means is energized to transmit a signal to a remote receiver for thus energizing a lighting means at a remote location. When the hand-held device is positionally changed to cause the illumination means (lights) to be extinguished, a signal is then transmitted to the received to turn off the illumination means at the remote location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partly perspective view of a prior art hand-held sign of conventional type used to direct traffic or school crossings.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a hand-held device without a sign inserted there into.

FIG. 2B is a left side view of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a front side of the hand-held device with a sign partially inserted there into according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the hand-held device 2 as shown in FIG. 2A with a sign positioned the hand-held device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hand-held device with a “stop” sign mounted therein and disclosing a power supply attached to the handle for illumination of the lighting effects of the combination.

FIG. 6 discloses a remote illumination means 19 which may be remotely controlled by hand-held device 2.

FIG. 7 discloses a preferred embodiment schematic diagram of hand-held device 2, in combination with a remote illumination means 19 and related apparatus such a power supply 12, controller 17 and lighting means 14 and lighting means 16.

FIG. 8 discloses a remote illumination means on a traffic cone remote to the hand-held device.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the illumination means of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of FIG. 9 wherein the front side, the back side, the right side, the left side and the top side are identical as visually perceived.

FIG. 11 discloses a schematic diagram of hand-held device 2 in combination with a remote illumination means similar to that disclosed in FIG. 7 which embodies arrays of light emitting diodes.

FIG. 12 discloses an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the remote illumination device is a traffic cone with illumination means.

FIG. 12 discloses a schematic diagram of hand-held device 2

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, the details of preferred embodiments of the present invention are graphically and schematically illustrated. Like elements in the drawings will be represented by like numbers.

The present invention provides a hand-held device for forcibly receiving a sign there into that is easier to hold for long periods of time and more visible, as viewed from long distance by oncoming motorist. Various signs may be used as determined by the use. Preferred embodiments of the invention are versatile because they allow different sign expanses to be interchanged on the same basic frame and structure. The invention also includes a combinational use of the hand-held device in combination with a remote light fixture to further implement cautionary alert of viewers.

FIG. 1 discloses a well-known hand-held prior art sign familiar to individuals for indicating when traffic or individuals are to stop.

Referring to FIG. 2A, hand-held device 2 has lighting means 4 and lighting means 6 which are directionally opposite to each other. There is a slit or groove 8 which is between illumination means 4 and illumination means 6 and along the longitudinal axis 7 of hand-held device 2. Slit 8 has a first side 9 and a second side 11 which are resilient, that is, they are rigid and non-deformable under normal use. The first side 9 of slit 8 has an interior surface 13 and the second side 11 of slit 8 has an interior surface 15 which are juxtaposed. Juxtaposed surfaces 13 and 15 of slit 8 are textured to affirmatively grasp a structure which is forcibly inserted into slit 8 in a secure manner. One may remove the structure so inserted and insert a different structure dictated by the need of the user of the hand-held device 2.

Lighting means 4 has an aperture 7 which is an opening into the interior of lighting means 4 to thus permit light to be emitted upwardly to illuminate sign 10 (FIG. 3) disposed in slit 8. Lighting means 6 has an aperture 5 which is an opening into the interior of lighting means 5 to thus permit light to be emitted upwardly to illuminate sign 10 disposed in slit 8.

FIG. 2B discloses a left side view of FIG. 2A showing lighting means 6. Lighting means 6 may have an aperture 5 to thus permit light from lighting means 6 to be emitted upwardly to illuminate sign 10. The right side of FIG. 2A is identical to the left side shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3 discloses structure 10 which is partially inserted into hand-held device 2. As structure 10 is positioned into slit 8, the internal side 13 and internal side 15 of the slit 8 (FIG. 2A) grasp structure 10 to securely hold structure 10.

Hand-held device 2 is further disclosed in FIG. 5 as being selectively connected to power supply 12 which supplies the power to cause the illumination means 4 and illumination device 6 to be selectively illuminated. Power supply 12 may be connected to the hand held device 2 through controller 17 for selectively energizing the lighting means 4 and lighting means 6 of the hand held device 2 to cause lighting means 4 lighting means 6 to pulse in a predetermined manner or to have a steady burn as desired by the user.

Hand-held device 2 may be used to control a sign or illumination device 19 (FIG. 6) that is remote to hand-held device 2. Illumination device 19 comprises illumination means 14 and illumination means 16 which are responsive to a control system housed in structure 18. The entire structure is supported on a vertical member 21. The details of the control system in structure 18 are disclosed in FIG. 7 to include a receiver 26 with an internal switch 28, a power supply 30 for energizing lighting means 14 and lighting means 16.

FIG. 8 represents a traffic cone which has mounted thereon an illumination means 80 which has mounted thereon various arrays of lighting means 84 a, 86 a, 88 a, 90 a and 92 a.

A schematic of the electrical connections of hand-held device 2 and remote illumination device 19 are shown in FIG. 7. Hand-held device 2 comprises a first switching means 20 which is positionally responsive to cause switch 20 to be in a closed position when hand-held device 2 is caused to be in a predetermined posture. When switch 20 is closed, lighting means 4 and lighting means 6 are energized. When the position of hand-held device 2 is changed, switch 20 will open to thus cause lighting means 4 and lighting means 6 to be extinguished (the electric current supply 12 is disconnected from said illumination means 4 and illumination means 6).

Controller 17 may be connected between power source 12 and lighting means 4 and lighting means 7 to thereby control the particular lighting sequence of lighting means 4 and lighting means 6.

Switching means 22 is positionally responsive in the same manner as switching means 20. When switching means 20 is open, switching means 22 is in position A. When switching means 20 is closed, switching means 22 is in position B. Switching means 20 and switching means 22 are positioned to respond to the position of the hand-held device 2 in like manner.

The purpose of switching means 22 is to activate transmitter 24 which is a transmitter readily available in the art which transmits a signal to be received by state-of-the art receiver 26 to cause switching means 28 to be closed to thus cause illumination means 14 and illumination means 16 to be energized by power supply 30. In this manner, remote illumination device 19 is energized in sequence with hand held device 2. Transmitter 24 and receiver 26 are state-of-the-art devices which inherently include an internal power source for powering the transmitter 27 and/or the receiver 28.

When hand held-device 2 is positioned to cause the lighting means 4 and lighting means 6 thereon to be extinguished (switch 20 is open) and switch 22 is position A, the transmitter is thus caused to emit a signal which signal is received by receiver 26 to cause switch 28 to open to extinguish illumination means (lights) 14 and illumination means 16.

Controller 32 of remote illumination device 19 may be selectively connected between power supply 30 and lighting means 14 and lighting means 16 to thus cause lighting means 14 and lighting means 16 to pulsate or be illuminated in a predetermined manner for best viewer recognition.

Illumination means 4 and illumination means 6 (FIG. 4) may be an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which flash in a predetermined sequence or burn or flash as an array. Such arrays are available in the prior art and provide a new and useful application for such embodiments as the present invention. The LEDs may be of varying colors, red, amber, white or other variations, in combination or singularly displayed. The same principles apply to light emitting means 14 and light emitting means 16 (FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). Light emitting means 14 and light emitting means 16 are bi-directional in that the light is directed in exact opposite directions from the sign by each illumination means. In the schematic disclosed in FIG. 7, lighting means 14 and lighting means 16 may be light emitting diode array 4 and light emitting diode array 6 as disclosed in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 discloses an alternative embodiment wherein light means 4 is particularly adapted to use an array of light emitting diodes 4 a. An array of light emitting diodes 4 a are selectively illuminated by controller 4 b to cause the light emitting diodes 4 a to sequentially flash, strobe in unison or just be illuminated “burn” in unison. The particular manner in which light emitting diodes 4 a illuminate is selectively determined by controller 4 b.

FIG. 11 further discloses an alternative embodiment wherein light means 6 is particularly adapted to use an array of light emitting diodes 6 a. An array of light emitting diodes 6 a are selectively illuminated by controller 6 b to cause the light emitting diodes 6 a to sequentially flash, strobe in unison or just be illuminated “burn” in unison. The particular manner in which light emitting diodes 6 a illuminate is selectively determined by controller 6 b.

Lighting means 14 and lighting means 16 disclosed in FIG. 6 may also be light emitting diodes as disclosed in FIG. 11 instead of incandescent or other lighting bulbs commonly known in the art. Lighting means 80 on traffic cone 82 may be light emitting diodes as disclosed in FIG. 11.

FIG. 8 discloses a further embodiment of a remote control device such as is disclosed in FIG. 6. Many traffic control situations such as school crossings utilize a cone usually orange in color. While the selected color attracts the attention of pedestrians and motorists, the recognition factor may be improved by positioning an illumination means 80 on top of cone 82. Illumination means 80 may be illuminated during certain times as when school children are leaving school. Alternatively, lighting means 80 may be remotely controlled by hand-held device 2 by way of the circuitry disclosed in FIG. 12. In this manner, lighting means 80 is selectively energized as determined by the user of hand-held device 2. When hand-held device 2 is positioned in a predetermined posture, transmitter 24 (FIG. 12) will cause a signal to be transmitted to receiver 26 to thus cause illumination means 80 (FIG. 8 and FIG. 12) to be energized.

Illumination means 80 is further disclosed in FIG. 8 to disclose lighting means 84 a on side 84 of illumination means 80, lighting means 86 a on side 86 of illumination means 80, lighting means 88 a on side 88 of illumination means 80, lighting means 90 a on side 90 of illumination means 80 and lighting means 92 a on side 92 of lighting means 80. While it is disclosed that a lighting means is disposed on each side of illumination means 80 except for the bottom side, it is not necessary that each side of illumination means 80 be illuminated as only one selected side may be lighted as determined by the environment of use. Each side 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 of illumination means 80 may be identical as shown in the side view disclosed in FIG. 10.

Illumination means 80 may be an array or light emitting diodes. For example, lighting means 84 a may an array of light emitting diodes and associated controller as is lighting means 4 and lighting means 6 disclosed in FIG. 11. Thus, each lighting emitting diode array may be caused to pulsate or burn in a predetermined manner. Each side of illumination means 80 may be comprises of selected lighting means. Lighting means 84 a and lighting means 86 a and lighting means 88 a and lighting means 90 a and lighting means 92 a may be identical or may be of different colors and/or types of lighting means such as incandescent or light emitting diodes or other lighting means available in the prior art. Each such lighting means may have circuitry such as lighting means 4 of hand-held device 2 as disclosed in FIG. 11.

While the above description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the intention, but rather as exemplifications of one or another preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible, which would be obvious to one skilled in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, and not just by the embodiments.

It is therefore understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows: 

1. A hand-held device adapted for connection to a remote power supply for receiving a sign thereinto for illuminating the sign when the hand-held device is in a predetermined position, wherein said hand-held device comprises: a. a handle having a longitudinal axis; b. an illumination means comprising at least one lighting means; c. a slit in alignment with said longitudinal axis of said hand-held device, said slit having a first side and a second side juxtaposed, a longitudinal axis, a width between said first side and said second side, a length along said longitudinal axis of said slit in alignment with said longitudinal axis of said hand-held device and a depth perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said hand-held device of such dimensions as to forcibly receive thereinto a sign; and d. positionally sensitive switching means for selectively connecting a power supply means to said illumination means, wherein said lighting means is energized when said hand-held device is in a predetermined position:
 2. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first side and said second side of said slit have textured surfaces for removably securing a sign thereinto.
 3. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said positionally sensitive switching means for selectively connecting a power supply means to said illumination means comprises a switch which is closed when the said longitudinal axis of said hand-held device is in a vertical position.
 4. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said illumination means comprising at least one lighting means comprises an array of light emitting diodes, said array comprising a control means for selectively determining the flashing sequence of said light emitting diode
 5. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said illumination means comprising at least one lighting means is is positioned for directing light onto a surface of a sign inserted thereinto and for directing light away from the surface of a sign inserted thereinto.
 6. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said at least one lighting means for directing light onto a surface of a sign inserted thereinto comprises an aperture positioned on the periphery of said lighting means whereby light is directed onto a surface of said sign.
 7. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 1 in combination with a remote illumination device, said remote illumination device comprising:
 1. an illumination means;
 2. a receiver; and
 3. a power supply, and wherein said hand-held device further comprises: a. a transmitter and b. a second positionally responsive switching means; whereby said transmitter is caused to emit a first signal when said second positionally responsive switch of said hand-held device is in a first predetermined position, said first signal being received by said receiver to cause said illumination means of said remote illumination device to be energized, and whereby said transmitter is caused to emit a second signal when said second positionally switch of said hand-held device is in a second predetermined position, said second signal being received by said receiver to cause said illumination means of said remote illumination device to be de-energized when said hand-held device is in a second predetermined position.
 8. A hand-held device adapted for connection to a remote power supply for receiving a sign thereinto, wherein said hand-held device comprises: a. a handle having a longitudinal axis, b. an illumination means comprising at least one lighting means; a slit in alignment with said longitudinal axis of said hand-held device, said slit having a first side and a second side juxtaposed, a longitudinal axis, a width between said first side and said second side, a length along said longitudinal axis of said slit in alignment with said longitudinal axis of said hand-held device and a depth perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said hand-held device of such dimensions as to forcibly receive thereinto a sign; and d. a first positionally sensitive switching means for selectively connecting a power supply means to said illumination means, whereby said lighting means is energized when said hand-held device is in a predetermined position.
 9. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 8 to further comprise a controller electrically connected between said power supply and said lighting means wherein said controller causes said lighting means to be activated as selectively determined by said controller.
 10. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 8 to further comprise:
 1. a second positionally sensitive switching means and
 2. a transmitter, said second positionally sensitive switching means comprising: a first position being electrically connected between said power supply and said transmitter whereby said transmitter is caused to transmit a first signal when said second positionally sensitive switching means is in a first predetermined position, in combination with a remote illumination device, said remote illumination device comprising: a. a receiver having a switching means, b. a power supply and c. illumination means wherein said receiver receives said signal transmitted by said transmitter of said hand-held device to cause said switching means of said receiver to cause said power supply of said remote illumination device to be electrically connected to said illumination means of said remote illumination device to cause said remote illumination means to be illuminated.
 11. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 10 wherein said second positionally sensitive switching means comprises a second position being electrically connected between said power supply and said transmitter when said hand-held device is in a second predetermined position whereby said transmitter is caused to transmit a second signal when said second positionally sensitive switching means is in a second predetermined position, said second signal being received by said receiver to cause said switching means of said receiver to disconnect said power supply of said remote illumination device from said illumination means of said remote illumination device whereby said remote illumination device is extinguished
 12. A hand-held device in combination with a remote illumination device as set forth in claim 11 wherein said remote illumination device further comprises a controller for selectively causing said illumination means of said remote illumination device to be energized in a selected sequence.
 13. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said illumination means of said remote illumination device are light emitting diodes.
 14. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said illumination means of said remote illumination device are light emitting diodes.
 15. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 10 wherein said remote illumination device further comprises a traffic cone having a top and a bottom and wherein said remote illumination device is mounted on the top of said traffic cone.
 16. A hand-held device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said lighting means comprises an array of light emitting diodes and a controller whereby said light emitting diodes are energized in a desired configuration as determined by said controller. 